Project Grant R01AI196563

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases awarded the University of Illinois $796,976 on August 3, 2026, under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to develop a once-daily ocular nanoformulation of BX795, a non-nucleoside antiviral drug for herpes simplex virus keratitis therapy.

HSV-1 keratitis causes corneal blindness globally, and current nucleoside antiherpetic treatments administered orally or topically prove insufficient, with emerging nucleoside-resistant strains driving demand for alternative therapeutics. BX795 inhibits hyperphosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1, constraining viral protein synthesis. Preliminary studies demonstrated that three-times-daily topical BX795 eyedrops significantly reduced infection in a mouse model, but the molecule's limited pH-dependent solubility and requirement for substantial dimethyl sulfoxide in solution necessitate formulation improvements to reduce dosing frequency and enhance ocular bioavailability.

The research will convert BX795 into a hydrophobic salt using biocompatible anions, then transform the salt into a nanosuspension for once-daily long-acting topical therapy. Aim 1 focuses on developing various hydrophobic salts and characterizing the nanosuspensions for stability, in vitro antiviral activity, and ex vivo permeability. Aim 2 will evaluate long-term in vivo tolerability and in vivo antiviral efficacy of the lead BX795 hydrophobic salt nanosuspension formulation.

Performance occurs in Chicago, Illinois. The award period runs through July 31, 2031. This is a Project Grant, the standard assistance type for NIH R01 research grants.